UBC students will demonstrate SpaceX-style, remote-controlled landing pads they designed for their second-year mechanical engineering course. Twenty teams will win points based on how well they can transport a rocket booster safely back to shore, navigating around obstacles and through high waves. A 60-foot pool has been constructed specifically for the competition.

SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket landings aim to move the world toward a reusable rocket system, which could dramatically reduce the costs of space transport. “Design competitions modelled on current challenges, like the SpaceX spaceport ships, can help prepare future engineers for real-life design ventures,” says instructor Agnes d’Entremont.